In 2019, Command Chief Master Sergeant, U.S. Air Force (Ret), William Markham founded, along with a close team of legal and medical professionals, Project One Vet @ A Time (POVAT). During his 30 years of service in the U.S. Air Force, CCM Markham served at the tactical, operational, and strategic levels of leadership. He has an extensive operational background and has deployed in support of numerous contingencies and Special Operations missions. Will received numerous decorations and awards for the courageous execution of his duties during his career. His inspiring past led him to become the generous and noble man he is today. As a retired veteran, he continues to serve the military community through mentorship, charitable actions, and patriotic leadership.
EXECUTIVE OFFICERS
WILLIAM MARKHAM
Chairman, Co-Founder
As a young boy when asked what he wanted to be when he grew up, Will’s response was consistent in stating, “I just want to take care of people.” Will continues to live his life based around two mottos serving as the compass for his everyday actions. The first motto, “Freedom to maneuver” and the second, “Always find the way to YES.” His passion to raise funds for veterans and their families for the last 20 years increases every year through support from the community. Will resigned from Special Operations Warrior Foundation in April of 2019 to direct his efforts toward offering a solution to those veterans who struggle to find their way through the VA disability claims process.
In June 2019, Will along with a close team of legal and medical professionals, started the 501(c)3 nonprofit, Project One Vet @ A Time (POVAT). Will strongly advocates for veterans by not only relaying his personal stories, but also the stories of the many veterans and families he’s come to know throughout the years. A constant professional since his retirement, he has been inducted into the 2018 USAF Gathering of Eagles, 2021 U.S. Special Operations Command’s Commando Hall of Honor, and 2023 MSgt John A. Chapman “Service Before Self” award. Will continues to give back to our community through mentorship, leadership, and team building activities of professional and private organizations. Will’s other interests outside of his philanthropic passions include biking, golfing, cooking, and spending quality time with his family and his fur babies Stella and Cooper.
JEFFREY O'HARA, ESQ.
President, Co-Founder
Jeff’s passion stems from appreciating first-hand the service & sacrifices by his loved ones. His father served in the U.S. Army as a Paratrooper – 82nd Airborne Division and his cousin, whom he & his wife raised, served two combat tours with the U.S. Army in Iraq. He firmly believes that enjoying the privilege of citizenship in the United States creates a perpetual duty to serve those who have sacrificed so much serving us: “Words of thanks are not enough. We owe a life-long debt to all Veterans who have stepped up to protect our way of life. We should take time every day to find a way to give back to those who have given so much.”
Professionally, Jeffrey is a Partner with Connell Foley LLP. He has been designated by the Supreme Court of New Jersey as a Certified Civil Trial Attorney. His practice focuses primarily on the defense of large exposure, catastrophic loss, casualty events. Having tried approaching 70 civil jury trials to verdict, he has been inducted as a Fellow in the American College of Trial Lawyers, The American Board of Trial Advocates, The Litigation Counsel of America, and The International Society of Barristers. He is also active as a member of the USLAW Network, The Federation of Defense & Corporate Counsel, and The International Association of Defense Counsel.
Jeff is part of a team of medical and legal professionals providing support at no cost to select Veterans pursuing claims for disability benefits from the Department of Veterans Affairs. Arising directly from the pro bono battle he waged on behalf of CCM William Markham, U.S. Air Force (Ret), Jeff remains accredited by the Department of Veteran Affairs to present and prosecute claims for veterans’ benefits. He is a founding principal with POVAT. During his free time, Jeff enjoys spending quality time with his wife Lisa, their two sons Patrick & Brendan, his pup Shelby, and also enjoys skiing, fishing and participating in endurance athletics activities.
MARK MCLAUGHLIN, MD
NEUROSURGEON
VICE-PRESIDENT, CO-FOUNDER
FOUNDER & PARTNER, PRINCETON BRAIN & SPINE / AUTHOR OF COGNITIVE DOMINANCE
Three generations of Mark’s family have served our great country. His grandfather, Francis J. Pizzi, served in WWII as a Naval commander and surgeon. His great uncle, Mario Pizzi, also served in WWII as an Army captain and surgeon stationed in Sicily. Mark’s father enlisted in the U.S. Army and served with the 24th Infantry Division during the occupation of Japan. Mark’s father-in-law, Ignatius Stefaniw, served in the U.S. Army 82nd Airborne in Vietnam, ultimately retiring as a lieutenant colonel after a distinguished career. Mark and his wife Julie have a son, Patrick, who serves as a first lieutenant in the U.S. Marine Corps. Although he never served in the military, Mark believes his duty to his country is to serve those who have served.
Mark draws inspiration from working beside the amazing veterans whose acts of heroism have protected our country and way of life.
Professionally, Dr. McLaughlin is the founder of Princeton Brain, Spine, and Sports Medicine, a multispecialty medical practice in Princeton, New Jersey. His practice focuses primarily on the surgical treatment of neck and low back pain, and he is a world authority on Trigeminal Neuralgia, a rare debilitating facial pain condition. Mark is also a nationally recognized author and public speaker on topics of brain health, professional inspiration and the psychology of elite performance.
Mark’s other passion is coaching youth wrestling. After a 20-year career coaching the Princeton Wrestling Club, he co-founded Trenton Youth Wrestling, a non-profit organization dedicated to altering the life trajectory of inner-city boys and girls through the sport of wrestling. Mark is honored to be a founding member of POVAT. During his free time, Mark enjoys traveling with Julie, especially throughout Maine. He is a proud father of their four children: Kaleigh, Alex, Patrick and Trevor.
POVAT BOARD
PHIL MCGOVERN
Board Member
Philip McGovern is a savvy transactional attorney, concentrating primarily on commercial real estate and corporate transactions, real estate development, land use, complex commercial financing and commercial leasing. Phil applies a keen business sense in identifying opportunities. During the course of his career, Phil has assisted several large organizations in significant development projects across the United States. Phil has played a pivotal role in the growth of Project One Vet @ A Time.
BRIAN DWIGHT
Board Member
Brian Dwight, established South Shore Dry Dock Marine in 1990. Brian has been on the water all his life, growing up in a family of recreational and commercial fisherman. His knowledge of local waters, boat handling and quality power boats are always available to his clientele. He is an experienced yacht broker specializing in selling and listing of quality powerboats. Brian’s company operates several marinas and boatyards, with seasonal slips and winter boat storage.
Brian was introduced to POVAT by Dr. Mark McLaughlin and they graciously hosted POVAT’s initial executive meeting at Camp Waganaki, Waterford, Maine in 2021. The POVAT Team has since made annual treks to Camp Waganaki to enjoy the peace and tranquility of this wonderful place while simultaneously planning for future years.
He immediately became intrigued as he listened to POVAT’s mission and vision and was pleased to join its Board of Directors in 2022.
DOUG PEEBLES
Board Member
Doug was born in Brooklyn, NY and was raised in Manalapan Township, NJ with his two sisters. He attended St. John Vianney High School in Holmdel, NJ where he played football and golf. He holds BA degrees in Accounting and Political Science from Muhlenberg College in Allentown, PA where he also played on the varsity football and golf teams. After graduation Doug began working for Alliance Capital Management (later re-named AllianceBernstein) where he continued to work until his retirement at the end of 2020.
As the Chief Investment Officer of AB’s Fixed Income, Doug focused on managing the firm’s strategic client relationships. As CIO, he was also Chairman of the Interest Rates and Currencies Research Review team, which was responsible for setting interest-rate and currency policy for all fixed-income portfolios. In 1997, Peebles pioneered the firm’s highly successful and innovative approach to global multi-sector high-income investing, which is now being adapted by other firms. During his time at AB he held several leadership positions, including head of Fixed Income from 2008 to 2016, co-head of Fixed Income from 2004 to 2008 and director of Global Fixed Income from 1997 to 2004.
In 1992 Doug graduated from Rutgers University in Newark, NJ with an MBA degree taking classes part time in the evenings while working for AllianceBernstein in Manhattan. In 2014 Doug joined the Muhlenberg College Board of Trustees. He has served as the Chair of the Investment Committee, Head of the Asset Management Team, Co-Chair of the Boundless Campaign and as Vice Chair of the Board of Trustees. Doug also serves as a Trustee on the Rutgers University Road to Wall Street Program. In retirement Doug now spends more time with his wife, Elaine, and his three daughters – Catherine, Alison and Elizabeth. He enjoys staying fit and playing golf both in New Jersey and in Naples, FL. He intends to spend a good deal of time using his talents to help others.
BILL DOYLE
Board Member
Mr. Bill Doyle serves as Senior Vice President for Specialized Marketing International (SMI), a division of Eurpac Service, Inc. Bill joined Eurpac GmbH in 1987, and has held sales, marketing, management, and senior management positions across all divisions of Eurpac Service, Inc. Incorporated in 1951, Eurpac Service, Inc. is a Global Sales, Marketing and Distribution Company serving consumer goods manufacturers and servicing leading retailers including the US Government Resale Systems. Eurpac operating divisions include: Muscle Foods USA, Eurpac Marketing, Retail & Logistics Group, Eurpac Strategic Partners, Eurpac Warehouse Sales and Specialized Marketing International. Eurpac Service, Inc. is owned wholly by its employees.
Bill is active in supporting and advocating for quality-of-life programs for military members, their families, and retirees. To that end, Bill is a former member of the Armed Forces Marketing Council and is a current member of the American Logistics Association where he served on the Board of Directors from 2009 to 2014, and as Chairman from 2018-2021.
“To serve those who serve, or have served, is a privilege – I am grateful my career has provided this opportunity.” Bill is a graduate of the University of Richmond (BA ’86), and lives in Irving, Texas with his wife Marcia and their pups.
BILL WOSILIUS
Board Member
Bill Wosilius brings over 20 years of executive leadership experience in cybersecurity, managed IT services, and data center businesses. He is currently the Chief Executive Officer and Board Member of NexusTek, a national IT/cybersecurity services provider with over 1,200 clients and 350 employees in 7 US markets. Prior to joining NexusTek, Bill was Vice President and General Manager of Global Technology Solutions at Optiv Security, the largest pure-play cybersecurity solutions integrator in the world.
Prior to entering the private sector in 1998, Bill served in as a commissioned officer in the United States Air Force, leading several F-15 aircraft maintenance units around the world, and was involved in the early development program of the F-22 in the 1990s. He deployed in 1995 in support of Operation Deny Flight enforcing the no-fly zone over Bosnia-Herzegovina.
Bill received his B.S. in Management in from the United States Air Force Academy, and his M.S. in Logistics Management the Air Force Institute of Technology. While at the Air Force Academy, Bill was a fullback and 2-time letter-winner for the 1987-1991 Falcon football team which went to 3 bowl games in 4 years.
Bill has served on several other nonprofit boards including the Colorado Traumatic Brain Injury Trust Fund and the Brain Health Initiative. He is a passionate advocate for veterans’ initiatives and was one of POVAT’s first cases in 2020. Bill and his wife Courtney live in Golden, CO and are the proud parents of 4 adult children.”
TEAM POVAT
Sean Bosken
Chief Strategy Officer
Sean Bosken joined POVAT in August 2023 as its Chief Strategy Officer. Sean is a graduate of Saint Joseph’s University and was commissioned as a 2LT in the U.S. Marine Corps through the OCS-PLC program. Following four years of active-duty service, Sean embarked on a highly-successful corporate career culminating as the Vice President, Operations & Service Excellence for Nestlé Waters North America.
Sean is passionate about serving those in need and feels deeply about giving back through service, especially to our military veterans.
He will provide guidance on futurizing our efforts, performing organizational assessments as we continue to grow, while ensuring our strategic priorities are deliverable and sustainable.
ERIC NEILSEN
POVAT Secretary
When you’re in a fight, you need options, and that’s exactly what CMSgt, USAF (Ret) Eric “NN” Neilsen brings to the POVAT team. A 30-year Air Force Special Operations Combat Controller with multiple senior enlisted leader tours, Eric has a reputation for working smarter. Because of that reputation, the Assistant Secretary of the Air Force hired Eric to serve as his Senior Enlisted Advisor working “people issues.” And in retirement, a major defense contracting firm recruited Eric for their Human Resources Transformation team. Eric knows the VA process forwards and backwards, and he has the network to help the POVAT team work its magic for our veterans…one at a time.
Eric retired after serving nearly 30 years as a Combat Controller, Command Chief, and Senior Enlisted Leader from squadron to combatant command, NATO, and the Secretariat levels. Eric developed a strong bond with Will while serving with him multiple times in Afghanistan and elsewhere.
Eric has always had a passion to serve and take care of others. As the Senior Enlisted for the Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Manpower and Reserve Affairs, he was a member of multiple councils and boards such as the Air Force’s Invisible Wounds Executive Council, and currently mentors veterans and fellows as they navigate the transition from military service to civilian and corporate life.
LYLE ROSIN
POVAT Program Director
On December 1st, 2020, Chief Master Sergeant Lyle K. Rosin, U.S. Air Force (Ret), joined Project One Vet @ A Time as the POVAT Program Director. After spending his childhood in Gaylord, Minnesota, Lyle served on active duty for 30 years. Following Basic Military Training at Lackland AFB, Texas, and Technical Training at Lowry AFB, Colorado, he reported to Tyndall AFB, Florida as an Armament System Specialist on the F-15 fighter aircraft. He retrained into the Paralegal career field and spent a large portion of his career as a paralegal, including time at Headquarters, Air Force Special Operations Command where he met Will Markham during a deployment to Afghanistan.
In 2019, he completed his military career serving as the Station Chief, Defense Courier Station Baltimore, United States Transportation Command, Fort Meade, Maryland where he led the largest classified distribution facility within the Department of Defense.
Lyle brings years of experience and skills to the forefront in helping POVAT grow and succeed. Working directly with service members, veterans, and the medical and legal consultants engaged by POVAT, he provides oversight to ensure the integrity of POVAT’s process is upheld.
Amy Rosin
POVAT Operations Director
On December 1st, 2020, Senior Master Sergeant Amy J. Rosin, U.S. Air Force (Ret), joined Project One Vet @ A Time as the Operations Director. After growing up mostly in south Florida, Amy served on active duty for 26 years. Following Basic Military Training at Lackland AFB, Texas and Technical Training at Keesler AFB, Mississippi, she reported to Wurtsmith, Michigan as a Human Resource Manager and served at all leadership levels within the career field at 12 different bases and deployed locations until she retired in October 2017.
She prides herself on providing outstanding customer service and enjoys assisting veterans in multiple endeavors. “I love these warriors and they deserve the best life has to offer.”
Lyle and Amy met while stationed together at Kadena Air Base, Okinawa, Japan and have been married for 27 years. They feel they have found their second calling; one allowing them to continue to serve those they served alongside for so long. They live in Bradenton, Florida with their two dogs, Jameson and MacKenzie.
MATT HARRIS
Controller
Matt Harris joined POVAT in August 2021 as its Controller. He is passionate about all aspects of business, particularly finance, economics, entrepreneurialism and organizational development. Since joining the team, Matt found a renewed sense of appreciation for his career, which he attributes directly to the philanthropic nature of a not-for-profit environment. Outside of work, Matt enjoys playing golf with family and friends and spending time with his wife Taylor and their two golden retrievers, Koda and Cash.
“Working with Project OVAT has allowed me to fulfill my civil duties as an American by giving back to the Veteran community. They have sacrificed so much for us that it is the least I can do,” says Matt. Every man and woman in this fine organization possesses elite intelligence coupled with an unparalleled work ethic. By sharing the best versions of ourselves with each other, we push each other to achieve one common goal: improve the physical, mental and financial well-beings of our disabled Veterans.” Matt comes from a background in public accounting as a Certified Public Accountant. After graduating from Indiana University-Bloomington, he was a Tax Associate at Grant Thornton then a Tax Senior at Deloitte in Chicago, Illinois for three years, collectively.
In January 2020, Matt formed his own accounting practice, Harris CPA Solutions. He knew the traditional role as a public accountant was neither sustainable, nor for him, and has since relocated to Nashville, Tennessee. His firm has grown to offer comprehensive tax, accounting and consulting solutions for his clients. In addition, Matt serves on the Young Professionals Board of Special Olympics Tennessee and the Development Committee of Brother Rice High School (Chicago). In these roles, he focuses on fundraising efforts to further enhance the experiences of those athletes and students.
SCOTT ZASTROW
PA-CS
POVAT Medical Consultant
Scott is a retired U.S. Army Special Forces Medical SGT and Army Physician Assistant (PA) with 30 years of service in Special Operations. After retirement, Scott worked as an examiner for the VA doing Compensation and Pension exams. He brings his experience of the VA disability claims process and knowledge of the illnesses and injuries specific to military personnel to POVAT to assist our veterans with their claims. Scott has dedicated his entire career to helping other Veterans and through POVAT, he continues to serve this amazing community.
Douglas P. Gibson
PSY.D., MPH, ABPP
POVAT Medical Consultant
CLINICAL HEALTH AND NEUROPSYCHOLOGIST
Dr. Gibson is a clinical neuropsychologist licensed in FL and VA. He has been practicing for over 26 years in a variety of settings, including private practice, university medical centers, and the U.S. Army Reserves. Dr. Gibson joined the POVAT team in 2022 as he was retiring from Federal Service where he was employed in a National Security/Intelligence capacity.
Dr. Gibson is the President of MedPsych Consulting, a clinical and forensic psychology practice specializing in neuropsychological evaluation, disability, and expert consultation, including compensation and pension evaluations for veterans. He has extensive experience in traumatic brain injury, posttraumatic stress disorder and medical conditions affecting cognitive functioning.
Dr. Gibson is also an Adjunct Professor at Nova Southeastern University where he supervises and instructs doctoral candidates in clinical neuropsychology and psychological assessment.
Linda Fraker
Linda retired from the U.S. Air Force in 2023 as a Senior Master Sergeant after serving almost 21 years. She started on the flight line as an aircraft maintainer and then became a paralegal where she served over half of her career at various assignments within Air Force Special Operations Command. She was assigned twice with Lyle and Amy Rosin and was fortunate enough to be brought into POVAT as a client and case manager.
“Working for POVAT was the best transition I could have imagined after my career in the military. I am still surrounded by my military family and am now in a position where I can help my fellow Veterans get the benefits they deserve.”
JOSH BOYKIN
Wardell Law Firm
Legal Consultant
Josh joined the U.S. Marine Corps in 2003 in response to the Iraq war and is a recipient of the Combat Action Ribbon for Operation Iraqi Freedom. After an honorable discharge, Josh decided to go to law school at the University of Miami, earning his law degree, and began working for the Wardell Law Firm in 2015 doing VA disability claims. He is a disabled veteran dedicated to helping other veterans get the benefits they deserve. Josh really enjoys helping other veterans and currently handles the procedural and substantive sides of the VA claims process for POVAT clients.
